VIDEO: Firefighters in Brevard County say they want a new contract. They and some of their supporters gathered outside the county’s government center on Tuesday afternoon to raise awareness for their cause.
Currently, the starting salary for firefighters in Brevard County is approximately $15 per hour.
The President of the local firefighters union says there’s plenty of competition for new recruits. Meanwhile, county officials are making an effort to attract and retain more firefighters.
The new contract has been under negotiation since January. The current contract expires on September 30.
“It’s a calling, and they want to do their job,” said Michael Bramsom, President of the Brevard County Professional Firefighters Union IAFF Local 2969. “Are we giving them the services, the knowledge, the equipment to do the job?”